Halwais express concern over cancellation of orders

Ludhiana, April 21

The Ludhiana Halwai Association today expressed concern over cancellation of orders owing to the surge in Covid-19 cases and strict guidelines issued by the government.

There are over 230 members in the district association. Members maintained that if things continued in the present manner, many would be forced to shut their businesses as customer footfall had already reduced by over 40 per cent.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Narinderpal Singh, president, Ludhiana Halwai Association, said the government had earlier announced night curfew to begin from 9 pm, which they later changed to 8 pm. Our business hours were being reduced, which had reduced the footfall at shops, he added.

“From April 22 to May 3, there was a heavy wedding season and businesses had got bulk orders of sweets. But most of these orders now stand cancelled. Boxes for most of the orders were also printed. People are converting marriages into small family affairs owing to rise in Covid cases. This has led to losses to many sweet shops,” Narinder said.

The association members also maintained that maximum orders were for April 30. “Now, many customers want advance payment back. We have already purchased the raw material for making sweets. These are real difficult times as the prices of raw material are also sky rocketing and orders are being cancelled,” said another sweet-shop owner.

The association has requested the state government to intervene and find solution to the problem as all these trades are interlinked. — TNS